Crystal Palace are optimistic Marc Guehi will only miss maximum of three weeks after he limped off with worrying knee injury in defeat against Brighton

Crystal Palace are optimistic key defender Marc Guehi will miss a maximum of three weeks with the knee injury suffered against Brighton on Saturday.

The England international limped off in the 28th minute of the 4-1 loss at the Amex after landing awkwardly on his knee.

Guehi has undegone internal and external examination and there is confidence the centre-back has not suffered serious damage to the joint.

The defender is understood to have hyper-extended the knee which will require a period of rehabilitation.

Guehi looks certain to miss Monday’s clash against Chelsea and the visit to Everton February 19.

Roy Hodgson is already without Michael Olise, who faces up to eight weeks out 

There is hope Guehi could be available for the game against Burnley on February 24, or the clash against Tottenham at the start of March.

The news will come as a relief to Palace, who feared Guehi could miss a longer period.

The club’s season has been crippled by injuries, the latest being Michael Olise who is facing a minimum of six to eight weeks on the sidelines with a fresh hamstring injury.

Fellow attacker Eberechi Eze is also injured with a muscular tear, while key midfielder Cheick Doucoure is a long-term absentee.